Sigel Marsala W produced the comeback of the round in the Serie A2 Women, recovering from two sets down to defeat Leonessa Altamura Women 3-2 on the road. The Sicilian visitors took the match 22-25, 25-23, 20-25, 25-21, 15-13 in a five-set thriller that swung back and forth until the very last rally.

Match Overview

Altamura came into the fixture eager to make home advantage count, and for two sets they looked firmly in control. Their block was dominant early, their first-tempo attack was efficient, and the home crowd had plenty to cheer as the hosts built a lead that seemed secure.

What followed was a masterclass in patience from Marsala. The visitors gradually slowed the game down, tightened their reception, and turned a match that had been played at Altamura's tempo into a grinding, point-by-point battle. By the time the fifth set arrived, the momentum had completely reversed — and Marsala were not going to let it slip.

• Final score: Leonessa Altamura Women 2-3 Sigel Marsala W
• Set scores: 25-22, 23-25, 25-20, 21-25, 13-15
• Competition: Serie A2 Women
• Match date: 15 October 2026

Key Moments

Altamura took the opening set 25-22, closing it out with a well-executed combination play through the middle and an ace from the service line. The second set was the tightest of the night and arguably the most important: Marsala saved two set points at 22-23 and then reeled off three straight points to level the match, stealing a set that Altamura had every right to win.

The hosts responded impressively, reclaiming control in the third with a 25-20 scoreline built on aggressive blocking and a strong serving run from their opposite hitter. At 2-1 up and playing at home, the match appeared to be theirs.

But the fourth set was where Marsala's character showed. Trailing 10-8, they went on a decisive run behind improved passing and a series of cleverly placed attacks into the deep corner. Winning it 25-21 forced a tie-break, and in the fifth the visitors jumped ahead early before holding off a late Altamura surge to clinch it 15-13.

Tactical Story

The shape of this match tells the story of two very different styles. Altamura wanted to play fast: quick middle attacks, early tempo, and a block that could overwhelm Marsala's outside hitters. For two and a half sets, that approach worked beautifully.

Marsala's adjustment was subtle but decisive. Their setter began using the pipe attack more frequently to stretch Altamura's block, and their serving became more conservative and targeted — fewer errors, more pressure on specific passers. As Altamura's reception dropped in quality, their quick attack disappeared, and with it their biggest advantage.

In the tie-break, the difference was simply composure. Marsala made fewer unforced errors, converted their first two break-point opportunities, and defended with the kind of desperation that only comes when a team believes it can win.

Standout Performers

• Marsala's opposite hitter was the match's outstanding performer, delivering heavily in the fourth and fifth sets when her team needed points most.
• Marsala's libero anchored a defensive effort that grew stronger as the match went on, producing key digs in the closing stages of the tie-break.
• Altamura's middle blockers dominated the net in the first and third sets, but saw their influence reduced once the visitors' passing stabilised.
• Altamura's captain led by example with a high-volume attacking night, though her efficiency dipped under the pressure of the fifth set.
• Marsala's setter deserves credit for a smart distribution that kept Altamura guessing through the final three sets.

What the Result Means

This is a significant result for Sigel Marsala W, who claim two precious away points from a venue where few visiting teams will leave with anything. Winning a five-setter on the road — and doing it after trailing 2-1 — speaks to a squad with real resilience and is exactly the kind of result that separates play-off contenders from mid-table sides over the course of a season.

For Leonessa Altamura Women, it is a frustrating evening. They led for large portions of the match, won two sets convincingly, and will feel they let a golden opportunity slip. The lesson is a familiar one in Serie A2 Women: five-set matches are rarely decided by talent alone, and the team that limits errors in the closing stages usually takes the points.

Next Up

Altamura will be keen to bounce back quickly and restore home form, with improving their fifth-set execution likely to be a focal point in training. Marsala, meanwhile, travel home with mome